LESSONS FROM THE LIFE OF KING DAVID (PART 2)

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TEXT:
"But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart." (1st Samuel 16 verse 7, King James Version).


The Lord had sent prophet Samuel to the house of Jesse to anoint for Him a king amongst his sons in the place of king Saul whom He had rejected (see 1st Samuel 16 verse 1). Eliab was Jesse's first born son and Jesse had made him pass first before prophet Samuel.
    The Scripture reading for today, was God's response to prophet Samuel's attempt to anoint Eliab as king. We learn that Eliab was, like king Saul, a man whose countenance and stature would, according to man's judgement, easily recommend him for the position of king. My thinking is that prophet Samuel should have been more careful in this matter because Eliab was similar as the rejected king Saul in countenance and stature (see 1st 10 verses 23 to 24). 
     It has been said, and I agree that "We can tell how men look, but God can tell what they are. He judges of men by the heart. We often form a mistaken judgment of characters; but the Lord values only the faith, fear, and love, which are planted in the heart, beyond human discernment." 
     In rejecting king Saul, prophet Samuel spoke saying that "the LORD hath sought him a man after his own heart, and the LORD hath commanded him to be captain over his people," (1st Samuel 13 verse 14). This was referring to David (see Acts 13 verse 22). But it will amaze you to discover that when this statement was made, David who, as I said, was God's replacement for king Saul wasn't yet born. Actually, he was born eight years after this statement was made. For a better understanding of this, read my devotional titled, "YOU WERE BORN GREAT". 
      This tells us that David was created and born to be king. To fulfill his destiny, God, in effect, had crafted in David a heart after Him, full of faith, fear, and love. Looking at David, God saw a man qualified for the throne, "a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.", He says in 1st Samuel 13 verse 14); but man in his limited insight saw David only as the youngest of Jesse's sons, "ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to" who was good only to be in the bush as keeper of the flocks; so much that Jesse his father didn't see it fit to call him for presentation before prophet Samuel (see 1st Samuel 16 verses 11 to 12). I prophesy that God will disappoint those that demean you in life, in Jesus name.
    Finally, as regards Eliab, God said "I have refused him" (1st Samuel 16 verse 7). Now, the solemn question is: when did God consider him to refuse him? Apart from the fact that David had been created and born a king, while in the wilderness, the Eye of the Lord was on him, beholding his comportment and demeanor while he lived with the sheep. Read David's testimony before king Saul in 1st Samuel 17 verses 32 to 37 and you will agree with me that David, while he was in the wilderness had undergone adequate preparation and had tasted God's faithfulness, power and love as a shepherd boy and had lived out before Him the life of one worthy to be entrusted with the kingdom. Can you allow God to prepare you for the throne while you are in the wilderness? 
    Some think that God doesn't care about how we live our lives. No, a thousand times, no. He cares and He beholds us, second by second, minute by minute, day by day, how we live out our lives. Eliab probably didn't know this; and while he lived out his life before God, He didn't meet His standard and therefore, He "refused him" to be anointed king (1st Samuel 16 verse 7). 


PRAYER:
Dearest Father, for whatever calling You have created me in life, help me to live before You acceptably, in Jesus name.